Forensic Chemistry and Biochemistry

Fingerprint Analysis

One of the most important aspects of forensic science is analysing fingerprints left at the scene of a crime. Fingerprint analysis is commonly used to link a crime to an individual who was present at the scene, but it can also be used to trace a person's past history, including convictions, parole, and other information. Your fingertips, toes, and palms have their own pattern of furrows and ridges.

These habits do not change with age. These trends are consistent over a person's life, according to studies conducted over decades. And when new skin grows, it does so within the ridge and furrow patterns that have already been developed in the finger. When the skin is affected, the new skin follows the same patterns as the old skin.